Thailand: New TISI standard for automotive wheels

 

Thailand has published Draft Ministerial Regulation Prescribing Industrial Products for Automotive Wheels to Conform to the Standard TIS 3506-2565 (2022).

The draft Ministerial Regulation mandates automotive wheels to conform to the Thai Industrial Standard TIS 3506-2565 (2022) Automotive Wheels.

This draft Ministerial Regulation applies to automotive wheels designed for vehicles of categories M1, M1G, N1, N1G, O1 and O2 and vehicles of category M2 with a maximum mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes in accordance with the Thai Industrial Standard TIS 2390-2563 (2020) Classification and Definition of Power-Driven Vehicles and Trailers.

The automotive wheels designed for vehicles of category M2 are subject to the same inspection and testing requirements as those designed for vehicles of category M1 under TIS 3506-2565 (2022).

The relevant standards referenced are:

• UN Regulation No. 124

Including the Amendments Which Entered Into Force on 16 October 1995

Addendum 123 Date of Entry Into Force: 2 February 2007

• UN Regulation No. 124 Amendment 1

Supplement 1 to the original version of the Regulation – Date of Entry Into Force: 30 January 2011

• UN Regulation No. 124 Erratum

The TISI certification (Thai Industrial Standards Institute certification) is a mandatory and voluntary conformity assessment system in Thailand that ensures products meet the national industrial standards established under the Thai Industrial Standards Act. For automotive products, TISI certification is a crucial regulatory requirement designed to guarantee safety, quality, and environmental compliance before products can be marketed, sold, or imported into Thailand.

Overview of TISI and Its Role

The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) operates under the Ministry of Industry and serves as Thailand’s national standards body. Its main responsibilities include developing industrial standards, conducting conformity assessments, accrediting testing and certification bodies, and ensuring compliance with Thai regulations. TISI’s certification mark serves as official confirmation that a product has been tested and meets applicable Thai Industrial Standards (TIS).

Types of TISI Certification

There are two primary types of TISI certification for automotive products:

1. Mandatory Certification – Certain automotive components and products are subject to mandatory certification before they can be imported, manufactured, or sold in Thailand. These include critical safety parts, such as:
   • Tires
   • Safety glass
   • Brake hoses and brake linings
   • Seat belts
   • Lamps and lighting devices
   • Motorcycle helmets
   • Vehicle wheels

Products under the mandatory scheme must bear the official TIS mark, indicating conformity with the relevant Thai Industrial Standard.

1. Voluntary Certification – Manufacturers may also apply for voluntary TISI certification to demonstrate product quality, even if the item is not legally required to comply. This helps increase consumer confidence and competitiveness in both domestic and export markets.

Certification Process

The certification process generally involves the following steps:

1. Application submission to TISI with supporting documents such as product specifications, test reports, and quality control procedures.
2. Product testing conducted by a TISI-recognized or accredited laboratory to verify compliance with the relevant TIS standard.
3. Factory inspection to assess quality management systems and production consistency.
4. Issuance of the license and authorization to use the TISI mark once compliance is confirmed.
5. Ongoing surveillance and market monitoring to ensure continued conformity.

Recognition of Foreign Test Reports

For imported automotive parts, TISI may recognize test reports or certificates issued by accredited foreign laboratories, provided these labs are accredited under mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) with Thai authorities. However, additional local verification may be required in some cases.

Conclusion

TISI certification is a vital component of Thailand’s regulatory framework for automotive products. It ensures that vehicles and their components meet national safety and quality standards, helping protect consumers and support the sustainable growth of the Thai automotive industry. For manufacturers—both domestic and international—understanding and complying with TISI requirements is essential for successful entry and long-term presence in the Thai market.

To find out more about vehicle regulations in Thailand and the TISI certification, please do not hesitate to contact the Institute for Global Automotive Regulatory Research.